Question 1: Do you like the neighbourhood you live in? [Why/Why not?]

Sample Answer: Yeah, I really like my neighbourhood, actually. It's quite a lively place, you know? There's always something going on – lots of little independent shops and cafes, a really nice park just a short walk away where I often go for a run or just to relax. It's also pretty safe, which is a big plus for me. The only downside is that it can get a bit noisy sometimes, especially on weekends, because there are quite a few pubs and restaurants nearby. But overall, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. It's got a great community feel, everyone seems to know each other, and it's just really convenient for everything I need.

Question 2: What do you do in your neighbourhood in your free time? [Why/Why not?]

Sample Answer: Well, it really depends on the weather, to be honest. If it's nice, I love going for walks in the park at the edge of our neighbourhood. It's got a really nice little lake and I often see ducks there, it's quite peaceful. Sometimes I'll meet up with friends there, we'll just hang out and chat. If the weather's bad, I usually stay indoors. I might catch up on some reading – I'm trying to read more these days – or I'll spend time on my hobbies, like playing the guitar or trying out new recipes. I don't go to the local gym much anymore, I found it a bit impersonal and expensive, so I prefer to work out at home now. I also sometimes pop into the little independent bookshop on the main street; I really like supporting local businesses and it's a great way to escape for a bit.

Question 3: What new things would you like to have in your neighbourhood? [Why/Why not?]

Sample Answer: I’d really like to have more green spaces, like a small park or a walking trail. Right now, the area feels a bit crowded and busy. A park would give people a nice place to relax, exercise, or socialize, especially in the evenings or on weekends.

Question 4: Would you like to live in another neighbourhood in your town or city? [Why/Why not?]

Sample Answer: At the moment, I’m quite happy with where I live. It’s quiet, safe, and close to shops and public transport. But in the future, I might want to move to a more modern area with better facilities. It depends on my work and lifestyle. For now, I don’t feel the need to change.

Question 1: Describe a website you have bought something from.

Sample Answer: Oh, that's easy! I've bought a lot of things online, but one website that really stands out is Etsy. I usually use it for more unique gifts, you know, things you can't just pick up at a regular store. I recently bought a handmade ceramic planter from a small shop in Australia. I’d been searching for a specific type of planter – a really simple, minimalist design in a terracotta colour – and after searching on several other sites, I stumbled across this perfect little pot on Etsy. The pictures were amazing, and the seller had tons of positive reviews, so I felt confident buying it. The whole process was really smooth; the payment was secure, and the tracking information was really helpful. It arrived about a week later, beautifully packaged, and it's even better in person than in the photos! I’m really pleased with it and I’ll definitely be using Etsy again. I love supporting independent artists and crafters, plus the variety is incredible.

Question 1: What kinds of things do people in your country often buy from online shops?

Sample Answer: Oh, wow, that's a broad question! In my country, people buy almost everything online these days. Clothes are definitely a big one – everything from fast fashion to more expensive brands. Then there's electronics, obviously – phones, laptops, headphones, that sort of thing. It's often cheaper and easier to compare prices online. Groceries are increasingly popular too, especially since the pandemic. A lot of people use online supermarkets for their weekly shop, although some still prefer to go to the actual store. And then there's the random stuff – homeware, books, even things like car parts or tools. Basically, if you can think of it, someone's probably bought it online in my country! It's become incredibly convenient and there are so many options.

Question 2: Why has online shopping become so popular in many countries?

Sample Answer: Well, I think there are a few key reasons. Firstly, it's just so convenient. You can shop anytime, anywhere, without having to travel to a physical store and fight crowds or parking hassles. Secondly, the choice is incredible. Online retailers often have a much wider selection than even the biggest shops, and you can easily compare prices and products from different sellers. Then there's the price – often you can find better deals online, especially with discounts and sales that are sometimes exclusive to the internet. Finally, I think the ease of payment and delivery plays a huge part. Most sites offer secure payment options and quick, reliable shipping, which makes the whole experience pretty seamless. It’s really transformed how we shop.

Question 3: What are some possible disadvantages of buying things from online shops?

Sample Answer: Well, I think the biggest downside is probably not being able to physically see or try things before you buy them. You know, with clothes, you can't tell exactly how they'll fit or what the material feels like. And sometimes the colours aren't quite as they appear on screen. Then there's the waiting time – shipping can take ages, especially if it's coming from overseas, and you might have to pay extra for faster delivery. And of course, there's always the risk of receiving damaged goods or something completely different from what you ordered. Dealing with returns can be a real hassle too; it can be complicated to get a refund and you often have to pay for the return shipping yourself. Finally, I guess there's a security aspect – you have to be careful about sharing your credit card details online and make sure the website is secure to avoid scams.

Question 4: Do you agree that the prices of all goods should be lower on internet shopping sites than in shops?

Sample Answer: Well, ideally, that would be amazing, wouldn't it? Lower prices online would definitely be a plus for consumers. But I don't think it's realistic to say *all* goods should be cheaper online. There are so many factors involved – things like rent for physical stores, staffing costs, and the expense of maintaining a physical presence. Online retailers still have their own overhead, like warehousing and delivery, which can sometimes add to the cost. I think it's more likely that you'll see *some* products cheaper online because of the reduced overheads, especially things that are bulky or easily shipped. But other things, maybe things needing in-person consultation or that are perishable, could actually end up being more expensive online because of shipping or handling. So, while I'd love cheaper everything online, I just don't think it's a practical expectation across the board.

Question 5: Will large shopping malls continue to be popular, despite the growth of internet shopping?

Sample Answer: Hmm, that's a really interesting question. I think it's a bit of a mixed bag, you know? On the one hand, online shopping is definitely booming – it's so convenient, you can shop from anywhere, anytime. And you often find better deals online, especially with all the comparison websites. So, you'd think that would spell the end for big shopping malls. But I don't think it's quite that simple. I still think malls will remain popular, at least for a while. They offer a whole experience, right? You can go with friends, grab a coffee, have a meal, even catch a movie – it's a social thing. Plus, there's something about actually seeing and trying things on before you buy them that you just can't replicate online. Especially with clothes and shoes, it’s crucial to get the fit right. So, I think they'll adapt. Maybe they'll become more experience-focused, with more entertainment and less focus purely on retail. It'll be interesting to see how it all plays out, for sure.

Question 6: Do you think that some businesses (e.g. banks and travel agents) will only operate online in the future?

Sample Answer: Hmm, that's an interesting question. I think it's definitely possible, especially for some businesses like online banks – I mean, I already do most of my banking online, and I rarely even go into a branch. Travel agents, maybe it's a bit different. While booking flights and hotels online is super common now, I still think there's a need for human interaction for more complex trips, like, if you're planning a backpacking adventure across Southeast Asia or something, you might want someone to help you work out the logistics. So I think for some businesses, a completely online future is likely, but for others, a blend of online and physical presence will probably continue to be the most successful approach. It really depends on the level of personalized service that customers need, I guess.